Jets QB Bryce Petty leaves with shoulder injury, says X-ray negative

PHILADELPHIA -- The New York Jets might not have a tough quarterback decision after all.

Bryce Petty injured his throwing shoulder Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles and will have an MRI exam Friday to determine if there's any structural damage. He was hurt in the first quarter after throwing a 44-yard touchdown pass and didn't return to the game. The Jets lost 14-6 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Petty said an X-ray on the shoulder was negative.

His injury probably saves the Jets from having to dump one of their four quarterbacks. The injury solidifies Geno Smith's position as the No. 2 quarterback, behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Rookie Christian Hackenberg, a second-round pick, is a virtual lock to make the 53-man roster.

Injured reserve becomes an option for Petty, depending on the severity of his injury. Short-term IR could be a possibility, and, because of a new rule, the team doesn't have to immediately declare that designation.

Coach Todd Bowles said he had no information on Petty's injury, saying only that it's "sore."

Petty wore a heavy wrap on his shoulder, and his right arm was in a sling as he spoke to reporters. He declined to speculate on the nature of the injury, saying only that he has never hurt his shoulder before.

With Fitzpatrick and Smith getting the night off, the game was billed as an audition for Petty, who made his first NFL start. Before the game, team officials said they were open to carrying four quarterbacks, which would be highly unusual, but they wanted to see more of Petty.

Petty lasted only three series, completing 4 of 6 passes for 87 yards. On the touchdown, defensive end Bryan Braman delivered a borderline late hit. He drilled Petty's left shoulder a split-second after his long pass to Robby Anderson, driving him into the ground on his right shoulder.

"Once the touchdown wore off, it started hurting a little bit," Petty said.

Petty was taken to the locker room, where he remained for the rest of the game.

"I wanted to prove a lot, and that part kind of got cut short," Petty said. "Hopefully, I've done enough in the preseason. We'll see what happens.

"I definitely want to be here. I feel like I'm growing every time I get in there and progressing."